Two Gosport women create 'Gifts of Hope' for abuse survivors

Two caring women joined forces to create Gifts of Hope – a small, smooth resin disc which people can keep with them to help feel grounded when they are feeling distressed or triggered – for clients of Portsmouth Abuse and Rape Counselling Service (Parcs).

The idea came from Caroline Chapman, from Gosport, who has received support from the service herself, because she wanted fellow survivors to know people care.

Caroline, a consultant nurse at Queen Alexandra Hospital, said: ‘Essentially they saved my life because they were able to help me at the darkest points of my life.

‘The vision behind that gift of hope is that you can hold it in your hand and if you feel triggered you can run your fingers over the smooth edge as a way to ground yourself.

‘I have found having something that represents hope really valuable to me because it helps me to remember how far I have come but also that I’m not alone.’

Caroline was helped by Gosport artist Charlene Minifie, who has created around 80 Gifts of Hope so far and hopes to create around 140 in total.

Charlene, 36, said: ‘It’s just to let people know that even though times are particularly difficult at the moment, there is still hope.

‘It was quite emotional when I looked at them all and realised how many people’s lives are affected – and that’s just one service.’

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Kim Hosier, centre director at Parcs, immediately loved the idea when the pair approached her.

Kim said: ‘Sexual abuse and rape often leads to people feeling isolated and this is a way of offering hope to survivors and letting them know they’re not alone.

‘We’re still here, we have not stopped working for a single day. This project lets people know services are still here and we’re not going anywhere. Please contact us if you need support, we work with all ages, all genders and we’re still here.’

Gifts of Hope cost £4.50 each to make, and members of the public can pledge for one to be created.

See justgiving.com/crowdfunding/charlene-minifie

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